Systematizing the fringe belt analysis: The case of Şanliurfa

This thesis addresses enhancement of the fringe belt anaysis, firstly proposed by Herbert Louis and developed by MRG Conzen in the first half of the twentieth century. The research primarily focuses on the applications of the concept of fringe belt that have been developed worldwide, revealing the main weaknesses of the implementation way of the concept. The complex terminology of the concept, the lack of a strong construction of the methodolgy, the lack of definition of the implementation steps, the lack of a systematic way of implementation and the lack of its usage in planning practice are the weaknesses, to name the most important. This thesis consists of eight chapters. The first chapter includes the purpose of the thesis, its importance, the research phases and the scope of the thesis. The second chapter is the literature review. This section presents a brief literature review on neoliberalism and a robust review of urban morphology. Urban morphology approaches are described and a detailed study of the historical-geographical approach is presented. In the third chapter, the applications of the belt concept worldwide are discussed in methodical terms. The fourth chapter includes the design of the methodology. Here, a more systematic approach to the fringe belt concept and its analysis is introduced. The method consists of eight implementation steps and focuses on how to implement these steps, by revealing fringe belts, their modifications, uses and forms in a hierarchical manner. Three orders are considered for the identification of fringebelts. First-order corresponds the formation of fringe belts. Second-order defines modifications. Third-order describe lans utilization and form. The fifth chapter presents the basic urban dimensions and urban evolution of Urfa. The sixth chapter deals with the fringe belt analyses of Urfa. In the seventh chapter, a general evaluation and discussion of the fringe belts of Urfa, the background of the fringe belt modifications that occurred in the neoliberal era and the potential of the fringe belt concept in urban planning practice are emphasized. The last section presents the results of the thesis. The methodology tested in Urfa confirms its clarity and robustness. In addition to the methodological contributions to the development of the method, this thesis reveals the way neoliberal policies affect urban fringe belts. The thesis clearly reveals a basis for the conservation of urban fringe belts, providing a balance between change and conservation, and a basis for a wide range of urban planning applications.